Overland Laos

📍 Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 min

Upon arrival to Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After checking in to the hotel, relax before heading into town for a short orientation tour. 

As the sun begins to set, head for the top of Mount Phousi. Climbing its 328 stairs, reach the peak of the hill just in time for sunset. The viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the city and sprawling landscapes below. After descent, explore the nearby evening market where a collection of handicrafts and souvenirs can be found. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

📍 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou caves by boat (30 km): 2 hours

After breakfast, start the morning with a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, the most photographed temple in the city. Afterwards, board a traditional wooden boat for a relaxing cruise along the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy the beautiful passing scenery before reaching the Pak Ou Caves. 

Sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers, these twin caves are carved into the surrounding limestone cliffs, filled with hundreds of ancient Buddha images and statues. After visiting the caves, moor near the cliffs for a local-style lunch, featuring a range of traditional Lao dishes. After lunch, cruise back to Luang Prabang. 

Returning in the afternoon, begin a city tour through this UNESCO-celebrated heritage town. 

The tour starts at the former Royal Palace (today the National Museum), before moving on to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. Continue walking to the 18th century Wat Sensoukarahm,  known for its dazzling golden façade. 

As the day comes to a close, participate in a traditional Baci ceremony. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in Lao culture, and are used to celebrate a special occasion- whether a wedding, an annual festival, or as a welcome.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Luang Prabang – Kuang Si (32 km): 1 hour

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting alms.  As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. 

After heading back to the hotel for breakfast, head out for a visit to Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city. Next pay a visit to Wat Aham, followed by Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large, central stupa.

This afternoon, head into the countryside for a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfalls Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls are perfect for exploring on foot. For the adventurous type, follow the steep track to the top of the falls for some amazing views. Alternatively, there are tranquil, turquoise pools that collect at the base of the falls, which are perfect for swimming (please dress modestly.) 

On the route back to Luang Prabang, there is an optional visit to the Free the Bears sanctuary, housing 23 Asiatic Bears that were rescued from poachers. Additionally, a stop can be made at the unique Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that produces sustainable and delicious cheese while giving back to the community and environment. While the buffalo may be the stars here, there are also playful pigs, cheeky chickens and rollicking rabbits that are just as fun to interact with for the young and young at heart. Enjoy a homemade ice cream at the cafe before saying goodbye to the Buffaloes and the team. (Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Monday - Sunday) 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Train Station(12 km): 25 min Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng by Train: 52 min Vang Vieng Train Station- Vang Vieng town(5 km): 10 min

After breakfast, begin the journey south towards Vang Vieng, which will take roughly 1 hour. Depart for the Luang Prabang Train station to catch the last South-bound train of the day. Suggested train: C81 departing Luang Prabang @13.31, arrival in Vang Vieng @14.23 

Upon arrival at the train station, your driver will be there to pick you up.

Arrive in Vang Vieng, a small town on the banks of the Nam Song River surrounded by spectacular limestone karst scenery.

The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure with the driver and guide available. Basic options range from exploring the nearby caves and villages to visiting an organic farm specializing in the production of Mulberry tea. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, there are options for cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, trekking and tubing. (Please note, these activities will be at an additional cost.) 

For those who prefer something a bit more relaxing, simply soak in the views and enjoy a sunset along the Nam Song River. 

Overnight in Vang Vieng
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Vang Vieng – Vientiane (130 Km): 1.5 hours

After breakfast, begin the tour by crossing the Nam Song River for the short drive to Tham Pou Kham. After passing through a small entrance hole, descend 100 meters into the ground. Despite its narrow entrance, the cave opens to a vast area that houses a giant reclining Buddha statue. After exploring the cavern, there is an option to swim in the chilly, but clean, water holes of the Ka River. 

Continue the experience with a local longtail boat cruise (2 people per boat) upstream on the Nam Song River. 

Arrive at the extensive Organic Farm, which specializes in refreshing mulberry tea and houses a wide range of livestock and organic crops. Take a short tour of the Organic Farm with an optional lunch (not included). 

Enjoy a leisurely morning before starting the drive south to Vientiane, taking roughly 1.5 hours through the new highway. 

Upon arrival in Vientiane, enjoy a stroll along the Mekong or take a wander in the city’s evening market. 

Overnight in Vientiane
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, head out with the guide for a discovery tour of Vientiane. 

The tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, before continuing on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Acting as a religious museum, the site displays a unique collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace. Though it can only be viewed from the outside, the stunning building offers some excellent insight into the colonial history of Vientiane. 

Next, make a stop at Wat Simuang. The most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, it is considered to be the guardian of the spirit of the city. Following the temple visit, head to COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war, the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area, and the efforts underway to clear them.

In the afternoon, continue to the Patuxay monument. Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, it is possible to climb the stairs of the monument where breathtaking views over the city await. The tour wraps up at That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is one of the city’s most iconic with its towering golden spire. 

Overnight in Vientiane
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Vientiane – Vientiane Airport (4 km): 15 min

After breakfast, enjoy the day free at leisure until transport (provided) to the airport for the departing flight. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast